What is the WHO Code?

The WHO Code, or more correctly the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 1981. 

Its aim is "to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition of infants by protecting and promoting breast-feeding, and by ensuring the proper use of breast-milk substitutes when needed on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution."

 The Code calls on governments to take appropriate action, "according to their social and legislative framework", to implement its aim and principles and to monitor its application in cooperation with all parties concerned, including manufacturers. 

Manufacturers are also expected to monitor their own marketing practices, while third parties are given the responsibility of informing manufacturers and governments of practices which do not comply with the Code.